June 4, 2009 · 6:00 am

Praying This One.

Both of my kids love the Mathew West song, “The Motions.”  I’m pretty sure they can sing every word.  The chorus says:

“I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me.
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking,
“What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?”

I cannot tell you how much I pray this very thing over my children.  How much I don’t just want them to go through the motions of life.  But to go through them intentionally. 

Intentionally.

With purpose.

With resolve to do life in a way that makes a difference.

Where they live beyond themselves.

And, quite possibly, change the world.

My Dad begins a new series this Sunday called “Intentional.”  Intentional in our pursuit after Christ.  Intentional in our marriage.  Intentional in how we parent our children.  Intentional with one another.

I’m pretty excited about it.  As a matter of fact, I’m building my life on it.

Are you doing life intentionally?

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June 3, 2009 · 6:00 am

He’s In the Impossible.

Last night at the dinner table, we were throwing around the scripture in Luke 18 that “what’s impossible with man is possible with God.”  It became our blanket answer for every problem thrown on the table.  I was being somewhat silly with it.  Hard to imagine.  I’m sure.  But, the reality of the verse is that while we can’t do everything, God can.

It might be the simplest matter of throwing our hands up in surrender to our King and crying out, “God, I need you.”

Or, laying something down at His feet.

Or, the remarkable realization of how truly massive – how great – He is. 

That we are able to finally sit back and recognize that we are nothing.  And, He is everything.

So, we can truly experience that what is impossible for us is possible for God.

And, watch Him perform the impossible.

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June 2, 2009 · 6:00 am

My Prayer Challenge.

I am usually a person of prayer.  I find it easiest to pray over my children, for travel mercies, or for others with needs.  But, I have found myself slacking in praying for things, specifically desires, in my own life.  I have felt challenged in my prayer life recently. 

To pray without ceasing.

I think I tend to pray for something I desire.  Then, I stop there.  I leave it.  Because, I just assume that whatever God’s will is will be anyway.  So, why continue to pray for it?

But, where is the glory in this?  How can God get glory in answering our prayers when we stop praying?  When we just presume that whatever be will be?

I’m not taking away from God’s will for our lives.  But, what if, at times, we delay His will, because we become slack in our prayer life?

I’m just thinkin’.  Out loud.  On my blog.

In scripture, we see people of faith who prayed with persistence.  How many times did Elijah send his servant to the top of the mountain?  He prayed with perseverance. 

And, God honored His request.

Maybe, like Elijah, you are facing your Mount Carmel. 

Pray. 

And, pray again.

I think I’ll do the same.

Never stop praying.  1 Thessalonians 5:17

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June 1, 2009 · 6:00 am

It Was Her Special Day.

John Henry was packing to spend the night with his Daddy Bryan.  Anna was sobbing to go with him.  She pulled her pink suitcase out of her closet and began shoving her clothes in.  Sure, that wasn’t heart-breaking.  Kris and I had already planned a date night out.  I began to question our decision to proceed with our evening knowing I had a little girl with a sad heart.

In steps Nan.  {My Mom.}

Who makes all things good.  Kind of like Jesus.  Just not exactly like Jesus.  But pretty dang close.

Nan assured Anna that she would have a special day. 

And a special day she did.

The heart-mending began with a manicure and pedicure.

Anna - pedicure wp

Nothing cures the blues like a little nail care.  Even if these are your color picks:

Anna - nails wp

Anna later acquired this loot from a little shopping with Nan:

Anna - loot wp

The hair salon diva  Barbie doll was unavailable for this photo op.  However, the loofah and watermelon made it in.  Seriously, who DOESN’T need a pink loofah?  And watermelon?  And cake? 

Thinking I have a sad heart coming on myself.

Oh, Nan!

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May 29, 2009 · 6:00 am

Where Is the Light?

I’ll be short.  I am thankful.  I am thankful that I get to be a wife to Kris.  I am thankful that I get to be a mom to John Henry and Anna.  I am thankful.

I am thankful that I get to sleep in with my children.

I am thankful that I if I ever need to work full-time, I can.

I am thankful.

I am thankful that I have clean water.

I am thankful that I can go to a local grocer and feed my family.

I am thankful that I live in a country that was founded on the Word of God.

I am thankful.

I am thankful that I have a father who proclaims the Gospel of the Kingdom.

I am thankful that I have a mother who reminds me that I serve a faithful Creator.

I am thankful that I have friends who not only hold me accountable to live a life that brings glory to Him, but who LOVE me.  I mean really love me.

I am thankful.

When things seem dim, or dark, or questionable, I remember.

I am thankful.

Because, I am a child of God.

I am thankful.

So, when you are struggling seeing the light at the end of your tunnel, remember.  You are a child of the most high God. 

Who was bought with a price.

So, let’s just be thankful.

M’kay?

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May 28, 2009 · 6:00 am

Worship.

Last night at Eagles Way Church, the youth joined the regular Wednesday service for a time of worship.  I have engaged in worship services for as long as I can remember.  As a matter of fact, my mom still has a cassette tape of me singing worship songs at only four years of age.  I played it for my own children and was excited about their reaction.

“Okay.  We hear it.  Can we listen to Brandon Heath now?”

Not the response I was looking for.  But, hey, my martial arts moves don’t impress them either.

I’m pretty sure that we are born with an innate response to God through worship but still it is something we practice or develop.  I do know that I love to worship my Creator.  And, I can’t imagine not doing it.

When I spoke at EWC on Mother’s Day, I shared a story about how Kris invited one of his pilot friends to the previous Easter service.  Kris doing the whole invitation thing is, in his words, “not his gig.”  I truly love his honesty. 

But, I “encourage” him to do it still.

So, he did.  And, his friend sat beside me.  I was all caught up in worship.  I left the service still caught up in that transcendent moment with God.  When we got into the car, I noticed Kris staring at me with a bit of bewilderment.

“I finally invite someone to church, and there you go double-fisting it God.  What about being seeker-friendly?”  He told me.

I couldn’t help but laugh.  His candor in how he perceived my untimely worship was humorous.  But, also his use of the term “double-fisting it” gave it an entirely new meaning.

Now, let me explain that Kris was not upset.  He was quite funny in his delivery.  However, he was still a little flustered and concerned how his friend may receive my expressions in worship.

I totally get where Kris is coming from.  I just can’t help but to worship my Creator.  The One who holds all things together.  The One who healed my broken heart.  The One who comforts the weak.  The One who makes all things good. 

The One.

In Luke 19, many of Jesus’ disciples were praising Him, and the Pharisees there told Jesus to rebuke them, and Jesus said, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Our Creator is to be worshipped.  We were created to worship Him.  Whether we make the choice to worship Him ourselves or not, He is still worthy.  And, He WILL be praised.

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May 27, 2009 · 6:00 am

The Slacker.

It’s no secret that I was rather slack yesterday – oh, and the day before – with my blog posting.  I could say that I’ve been busy traveling with my children.  Or, preoccupied convincing Anna that her hot pink socks really do not flatter her awesome silver tennis shoes.  Or, making sure John Henry has “Slow Ride” and “By Your Side” on his DSi for the plane ride.  Because, he is well-rounded like that. 

Or, recovering from Anna kicking me in the face with BOTH feet simultaneously in her sleep, because I failed to remember our last night sleeping together.  And, the many violent times before that one. 

But, it’s much more probable that my slothfulness is due to my self-inflicted sugar withdrawals.  One may try to argue that sugar slows the body down; thus, my energy levels should be soaring.  Physically?  Perhaps.  But, Junior Mints produce clarity of mind.  And, they make me happy.  And, isn’t that what really matters?

But, I am saying no to sugar.  For now.  It’s likely that I will fall off of the “Just Say No To Sugar Wagon” any day second now.  Because, I love it.  Luh-huv it.  However, I’m going to try my darndest to resist the urge to enjoy that dark chocolate with a creamy mint center or those delightful, chewy Sour Patch Kids.  Just for a while.  A short while.  A very, very short while. 

In other news, I’m looking into the P90X training system.  Of course, giving up sugar and “sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts” may be a little over-kill.  Don’t ya think?

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May 22, 2009 · 6:00 am

He Said, She Said (Part Two)

I asked Kris if he would like to contribute any material to today’s post, and he informed me that one a week was his limit.  A man’s gotta have his limits. 

We’re talkin’ about what makes marriage a little sweeter – more like what makes it work.  Well.  Here are some things that I do (or don’t do.)

– I make an effort to never say, “You never….”  Nothing good can come from that approach.  When I have an issue, I am usually conscious to never address it as an attack.  ‘Cause sistas, let me tell you.  Your man doesn’t like to be made to feel that he needs to defend himself.  For real.

– I give Kris a few minutes to unwind when he comes home before bombarding him with Anna’s antics household issues.

– I say I’m sorry when I mess up.  And, when I say it, I usually include a “Babe, I was completely wrong.”  Why?  Because, that’s why I like to hear from him.

– I let some things go. 

– I tell him “thank you” often.

– I tell Kris how proud I am of him, and I reassure him of my faith in him.  For example, I might tell him what an awesome pilot he is.  Or I might tell him how I know he can accomplish anything in aviation.  Or, I just might tell him what an incredible dad he is.  Words of affirmation go long way.  A very long way.  I try to affirm him, in some way, every single day.

– I don’t use the “I’ve got a headache” excuse.  Want me to keep it real?  Just do it, m’kay?

I’m sure I could go on.  We have bumps in the road just like every other couple.  There are days that I put Kris on the defensive and have to go back and set it straight…..humbly.  But the days where we get it right?  Oh, life is good.  Really good.

Ladies?  Your thoughts?

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May 21, 2009 · 6:00 am

He Said, She Said (Part One)

I’m no expert on marriage.  I mean.  You know what they say, “You only get married twice.”  Tee-hee.  No tee-hee?  None.The.Less.   Kris and I have found a few things that make our marriage pur-tee nice.  I asked Kris to help me out with this post.  So, below are his little nuggets of wisdom.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you my favorite pilot (and my forever love), Kris Takle.

Kris says:

– Never drink your pregnant wife’s last caffeine free coke.  (*Note: Dusty is not pregnant.)

– Set goals for your marriage – for your family. 

– Whenever you feel yourself getting upset, try to see things from your partner’s perspective.  If that doesn’t work, count to ten.

– Even if you come home tired from work, it is important to still help out around the house.  Take care of your wife and the things that are important to her.

– Listen to your wife, and don’t try to fix her.

– When your wife asks you to pray for her, make sure she can hear you.  Made this mistake once.

– Hug your wife tightly every single day.  When I’m home, I hug Dusty every morning and every afternoon. 

Oh my word, y’all.  My husband cracks me up.  When I asked him if he had anything else to add, this is what he said:  “You know, I want to keep it short and sweet.  In case I get another guest spot.”

I love him.

I’ll share my little nuggets tomorrow. 

Okay, men.  Do you want to add to this list?

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May 20, 2009 · 6:00 am

I Bet Kris Allen Likes Cupcakes.

I can hardly write anything coherent tonight.  It’s tonight.  But, it’s today for you.  You know.  I’m writing this tonight.  But you are reading this tomorrow.

See what I mean when I can say I can’t write anything coherent tonight?

I just finished baking two dozen cupcakes for Anna’s class.  It’s my turn to bring snack tomorrow and being the mother who doesn’t always think things through, I let Anna choose her snack. 

And, what four-year old girl wouldn’t select cupcakes with pink, blue, and green icing with pink sprinkles on the pink cupcakes, blue sprinkles on the blue cupcakes, and pink AND blue sprinkles on the green cupcakes?  Just.Like.That.

I managed to get it all done between attending my kids’ Soccer Awards Night and developing Carpal Tunnel from texting “Vote” to 5702. 

I wish I could write more.  I really do.  But, I’m going to try to roll out of bed in time to hit the school grounds at 7:30 in the a.m. for the uniform swap. 

I said I’m going to try.

So, if you’re actually still reading this ridiculous excuse for a post, tell me….

Who is going to be the next American Idol?

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